Ibanez AEQ2T: Boost Your Acoustic Guitar Tone

Table of Contents

Introduction to the Ibanez AEQ2T Preamp

The Ibanez AEQ2T is a popular onboard preamp system found on many Ibanez acoustic guitars and basses. It provides a suite of useful features to help amplify and shape your acoustic tone, right at your fingertips.

Some key highlights of the AEQ2T preamp include:

2-band EQ with bass and treble controls
Notch filter for feedback suppression
Phase inversion switch to reduce feedback
Built-in chromatic tuner
Low battery indicator

The preamp is commonly factory-installed on many Ibanez acoustic models across the Artwood, AEL, PF, Talman, and other series. Having an onboard preamp like the AEQ2T offers many benefits for acoustic players. You can plug into PA systems or acoustic guitar amps and shape your tone with the EQ. The phase switch helps eliminate feedback when playing live. The tuner ensures you stay in tune, even on a dark stage. Overall, the AEQ2T gives you more control over your acoustic guitar’s sound.

AEQ2T Preamp Specifications & Features

The Ibanez AEQ2T preamp packs a robust set of tone-shaping tools into its compact onboard preamp system. Here are the key specifications and controls:

2-Band Equalizer: The AEQ2T features separate bass and treble EQ knobs, each with a +/- 12dB cut/boost range. This allows you to dial in more low-end punch or add brilliance to the highs.
Notch Filter: This is used to eliminate narrow frequency bands that may cause feedback issues. It can be tuned to precisely target problem frequencies.
Phase Switch: Flips the audio signal’s phase by 180 degrees. This helps reduce feedback and gives you more flexibility in live settings.
Chromatic Tuner: The built-in tuner on the AEQ2T is fast and accurate, with a bright LED display that’s easy to see on dark stages. It can be used with all standard tunings.
Low-Z/High-Z Setting: Lets you switch between low and high impedance outputs to optimize for different destinations like PAs or guitar amps.
Battery Life: Approximately 100 hours of use from a single 9V battery. A battery alert LED lets you know when it’s time to replace it.

Compared to other popular acoustic guitar preamps like the Fishman Presys Blend, the AEQ2T stands out for its dedicated notch filter control and highly visible LED tuner display. It provides a versatile tone-shaping toolkit without overwhelming you with too many knobs and options. For Ibanez players, it’s an ideal built-in preamp solution.

Installing the AEQ2T Preamp

Installing the AEQ2T preamp into your acoustic guitar can enhance its tone and allow you to plug into amplifiers or PA systems. Here is a step-by-step guide to properly installing the preamp:

Step 1: Prepare Your Guitar

Remove the strings to allow easier access to the guitar’s interior.
Take off the pickguard/control plate to expose the preamp mounting location and wiring.

Step 2: Mount the Preamp

The AEQ2T mounts inside the guitar’s soundhole. Position it for easy access to the controls.
Attach the preamp securely using included screws or adhesive. Don’t overtighten.

Step 3: Wire the Preamp

Connect the preamp’s wires to the guitar’s existing electronics wiring:
- Red wire to positive battery terminal
- Black wire to ground
- Yellow & white wires to pickup selector switch
Solder wires securely or use connectors for a removable installation.

Step 4: Reassemble Your Guitar

Replace any interior components like the pickguard.
Re-string your guitar and tune it up.

Step 5: Position Controls

For best access, angle the preamp controls towards the soundhole.
Avoid positioning where your picking hand will bump knobs.

Step 6: Check for Feedback

Test the preamp settings at high volumes to check for feedback issues.
If needed, tweak the EQ to reduce resonant frequencies.
Add soundhole covers or feedback-busting materials if problems persist.

With some care taken during installation, the AEQ2T preamp can greatly enhance your acoustic guitar without causing excess feedback issues. Refer to Ibanez’s manual for full wiring instructions.

Using the AEQ2T’s Built-in Tuner

The AEQ2T preamp comes equipped with a handy chromatic tuner to keep your instrument perfectly in tune. Activating the tuner is simple – just hold down the Tap/Tuner button for 2 seconds and the LED display will switch to tuner mode.

The tuner has a bright, easy-to-read display with red, yellow and green LED lights that let you know if you’re sharp, flat, or in tune. As you play a string, the lights will guide you to the correct pitch. Once the green light activates, you’re tuned properly.

Ibanez touts the AEQ2T’s tuner as having excellent visibility and accuracy on par with many standalone tuners. The LED display is crisp and vivid even under bright stage lighting. Many users report the tuner staying accurate over long periods without needing calibration.

An especially useful feature is the ability to tune alternate or open tunings. The AEQ2T’s chromatic tuner can detect notes regardless of what tuning you’re in, making it versatile for guitarists who play in multiple tunings. Simply play the intended pitch for each string and the tuner will ensure you’re dialed in correctly.

With its precision, brightness and versatility, the AEQ2T’s built-in tuner removes the need to purchase a separate tuning pedal or clip-on tuner. Just tap the button when needed and you’ll always have a tuner at your fingertips ready to keep your Ibanez acoustic sounding its best.

Troubleshooting Common AEQ2T Issues

The AEQ2T is generally a reliable preamp system, but issues can arise over time from wear and tear, component failure or improper use. Here are some common problems and potential solutions:

No Sound Output

First, check that the preamp battery has enough power and is properly installed. Replace it with a fresh 9V battery if needed.
Examine all wiring connections to make sure they are secure and not damaged.
Try adjusting the volume and EQ controls to rule out the issue stemming from settings being too low.
Look for loose solder joints or broken wires, especially near the output jack. Reflow any questionable solder joints.
Inspect the preamp circuit board for any damaged components. Swap out individual parts like capacitors, resistors, etc.

Excessive Noise

Rule out nearby sources of electromagnetic interference from other electronics/appliances.
If using a battery, make sure it is not running low on power. Noise can increase as voltage drops.
Check for any loose, oxidized or improperly grounded cable connections.
Examine solder joints closely for cold joints that may inject noise into the signal path.
Evaluate shielding in the guitar cavity and add copper tape if needed.

Battery/Power Issues

Verify the battery is installed correctly with proper polarity/orientation.
Inspect battery contacts for corrosion; clean if needed.
Consider moving to a lithium battery for longer life vs alkaline types.
For intermittent power, resolder any questionable solder joints.

Controls Not Working

Spray contact cleaner into potentiometers/knobs to resolve scratchy controls.
Check for loose or damaged wires going to pots and switches.
Test pots with a multimeter and replace if necessary. Look for open circuits.
Inspect the PCB for cracks, lifted traces or damaged components in the signal chain.

Replacing the AEQ2T Battery

The AEQ2T preamp uses a standard 9V battery for power. To replace the battery, first locate the battery compartment, which is typically found on the underside of the preamp’s control panel.

To remove the old battery, gently pry open the battery compartment cover. You may need a small Phillips head screwdriver to loosen the screws holding the cover in place. Once the cover is removed, carefully pull out the old 9V battery from the compartment.

When installing the new 9V battery, first make sure the positive and negative terminals align properly with the contacts inside the battery compartment. The positive (+) terminal side should face outwards. Once aligned, gently press the new battery into place until it clicks securely in the compartment.

Take care not to bend or damage the battery terminals when removing or installing a new battery. Also ensure no loose wires or debris are inside the battery compartment before replacing the cover and tightening the screws.

Depending on usage, the AEQ2T’s 9V battery will typically last anywhere from 100-300 hours before needing replacement. Heavy usage during live performances will drain the battery faster. You can extend the battery life by disengaging the preamp when not in use. The preamp will alert you when the battery power runs low by blinking the LEDs.

Ibanez Acoustic Guitars & Basses with the AEQ2T

The Ibanez AEQ2T preamp comes stock on many of the company’s acoustic and acoustic-electric guitar models, as well as some acoustic basses. Here are some of the most popular Ibanez models featuring the AEQ2T:

AEG Series

The Ibanez AEG series consists of affordable, entry-level acoustic and acoustic-electric guitars. Models like the AEG10II and AEG12II showcase the versatile tonal possibilities of the AEQ2T preamp. These guitars produce balanced, warm acoustic tones that the preamp helps project and shape.

AVN Series

The AVN series features mid-priced acoustic-electric guitars ideal for stage and studio use. Models such as the AVN6 and AVN8 have a slim, ergonomic body shape. Their tighter low end and articulate highs sound excellent through the AEQ2T, which adds definition and helps tame feedback.

AEL Series

Ibanez’s top-tier AEL acoustic-electrics are designed for pro performance. AEL models like the AELFF10 and AELBT1 produce full, rich acoustics thanks to their expert construction. The AEQ2T enhances their complex tone by allowing for fine sculpting of the lows, mids, and highs.

AEB Series Bass

Acoustic bassists will find the AEQ2T preamp on 4 and 5-string models in the AEB series. These acoustic basses have a robust low end which the preamp helps amplify and tighten up. The AEQ2T also enables shaping the high mids and attack.

The AEQ2T preamp is an extremely versatile system that enhances the inherent tone of all these Ibanez acoustic instruments. Guitarists and bassists alike will appreciate how it allows them to finely shape their sound.

Upgrading to the AEQ2T Preamp

Upgrading your acoustic guitar’s electronics with the AEQ2T preamp is an appealing option for several reasons. Here are some of the key considerations when deciding whether to upgrade:

Reasons to Upgrade

The AEQ2T offers enhanced tone shaping and feedback control compared to basic undersaddle piezo pickups. Its 2-band EQ gives you independent control over bass and treble, while the notch filter helps tame problematic frequencies causing feedback. This level of tone personalization can make a big difference in dialing in your optimal acoustic sound.

The built-in tuner provides added convenience during practice and live performance. No longer needing to supply your own tuner or tuning pedal helps minimize clutter.

For amplification and live use, the AEQ2T’s preamp gives you a balanced XLR DI output option, allowing you to plug directly into mixers and PAs. The preamp also prevents signal loss compared to passive undersaddle pickups.

Overall, upgrading will modernize your guitar’s electronics and provide more tonal options. This can inspire you to pick up and play your instrument more often.

Compatibility

The AEQ2T can potentially be installed in most steel-string acoustic guitars, both with existing electronics and completely passive. Solid wood construction is preferred, but some laminates may also be compatible.

Ibanez specifically designed the AEQ2T to fit their acoustic models. But other guitar brands using similar preamp mounting and pickup configurations can often accommodate the AEQ2T as well.

Consulting an experienced guitar tech is advisable to evaluate your specific instrument’s compatibility. Some routing or modification may be required depending on the guitar.

Cost Considerations

Purchasing just the AEQ2T preamp unit costs approximately $100-150 USD. Add several hours of professional installation labor, and the total upgrade expense is around $200-300.

Compare this to buying a new acoustic guitar with the AEQ2T pre-installed, which starts at $400-500. For players happy with their existing instrument, upgrading just the electronics is the more cost-effective option.

However, upgrading a guitar with little monetary or sentimental value may not be worth the expense. Carefully weigh how much you like your current instrument when deciding on upgrading vs. buying new.

Where to Buy the AEQ2T Preamp

The Ibanez AEQ2T preamp can be purchased through several different retailers, both online and in physical stores. Here are some of the best places to buy this preamp and what to expect price-wise:

Online Retailers

The AEQ2T preamp can be found at most major online musical instrument retailers. Some good options include:

Sweetwater – A very popular option that often has the AEQ2T in stock. Free 2-day shipping on orders over $99.
Musician’s Friend – Frequently runs sales on Ibanez products including the AEQ2T preamp. Free shipping on most orders.
Amazon – A wide selection of new and used AEQ2T preamps available. Fast free shipping with Prime.
eBay – Good source for new, used, and open box AEQ2T preamps. Pay attention to seller ratings.
Reverb – Used and vintage gear marketplace. You may find deals on used AEQ2T units here.

Local Music Stores

You can also check your local music stores to see if they have the AEQ2T preamp in stock. Stores to check include:

Guitar Center – The largest chain music store in the US. Call ahead to check AEQ2T availability.
Sam Ash – Another large national chain worth checking for the preamp.
Mom & Pop shops – Smaller local stores sometimes carry Ibanez parts and accessories.

Price Ranges

Expect to pay between $100 – $150 for a new AEQ2T preamp from an authorized retailer. Here are some typical price ranges:

New: $100 – $150
Used: $75 – $120
Open Box: $90 – $130

Watch for sales around major holidays when retailers may discount Ibanez gear by 10-20%. The AEQ2T preamp has been known to drop as low as $89 new when on sale.

Buying a used or open box unit can save you 15-25% off retail pricing. Be sure to inspect the condition first when going this route.

Deals & Promotions

Free shipping sitewide
Additional discounts for first-time buyers
Open box specials in the outlet section
Coupon codes and holiday sales

Following Ibanez on social media can also clue you into any upcoming sales or special offers on AEQ2T preamps and other gear.

Conclusion

The Ibanez AEQ2T preamp is an excellent choice for acoustic guitarists looking to amplify and shape their instrument’s natural tone. This guide has covered the key features that make the AEQ2T such a versatile preamp option.

To summarize, the AEQ2T provides crucial tone-shaping tools like a 2-band EQ, notch filter, and phase switch. The onboard chromatic tuner is convenient and highly accurate. Specs like the low-noise circuitry and optimized frequency response ensure your amplified tone remains clear and feedback-free.

While the preamp comes pre-installed on many popular Ibanez acoustics, it can also be added to other existing guitars as an upgrade. The installation process is straightforward, especially for those with some wiring experience.

For guitarists wanting more control over their unplugged and amplified acoustic sound, the AEQ2T is an investment that pays off. The tonal options it unlocks, from adding bass punch to cutting problematic frequencies, are invaluable both on stage and in the studio.

Overall, Ibanez packs excellent value into the AEQ2T preamp. Its quality rivals more expensive options, while the intuitive interface makes dialing in your ideal tone simple. If you own an Ibanez acoustic, experiment with all the ways this versatile preamp can enhance your playing experience.